My Dad, The Red Balloon: A Real Story About Missing Someone You Love - and Holding On to Hope

A tender, beautifully illustrated story for children aged 4-10 - and for every parent who has ever had to explain why someone they love had to go away. Once upon a time, there was a little girl whose world was filled with laughter, music, and love. Every night, before she went to sleep, her dad would hold her hand and sing her a song. Then one day, her dad had to go away for a long time. The world turned grey. Meals were quiet. Nights felt long. Smiles were hard to find. But the little girl held onto her memories - like a red balloon. Bright, round, and full of hope. She remembered how he taught her to swim, to laugh, and never to give up. She learned that feelings are like weather - they come and go. And she was never truly alone. One day, she knew, the red balloon would float back into her hands. And when it does, life will be full of colour again. This is a real story. Written by Laura Dias at age 11 - in her own words - while waiting for her dad to come home. Perfect for: - Children aged 4-10 dealing with a parent's absence - Families navigating separation, distance, or difficult changes - Parents who want their child to know: hope doesn't disappear - it just waits "This story is for every child who has ever missed someone they love. Hope can be held tightly - like a red balloon - lifting us through the darkest times, until the day we are together again." - Laura Dias, Author